Charity gig pays tribute to one Mike only

Report & Pictures by Paul Jackson

A charity concert took place at Eagle Sports Club, Warrington, celebrating the life of local musician Mike Carter, who sadly died last year aged just 19.

The event helped raise funds for local branch of the National Autism Society helping children and their families.

A great turnout saw many of Mike’s friends, family and musicians come together for a fantastic night of music.

Mike’s Mum Samantha Heathcote who organised the event said: “I can’t thank them enough, the very talented people that gave up their time to come and play for Mike. Just overwhelmed by the generosity of people and the feedback about the night has been amazing.

“I’m just so glad everyone had a great time celebrating Mike’s life and remembering him. We’ve raised over £1,000 for the Warrington branch of the NAS and that will go a long way towards helping local children and their parents.”

First up, shattering the ice were Jonny Foreigner belting out numbers with huge enthusiasm throughout their eclectic set. At the same time on the second stage Kye Jones was performing his superb acoustic act.

Next on the main stage were Trinity, a three piece rock band, put together for just one night by Mike’s Dad Dave Carr , who belted out classic covers to a very appreciative audience.

Dave said “I am very pleased with Mike’s memorial concert and thank you to everyone involved. The music was great and a big thank you to Diz and John for playing in Trinity with me. Too many names to mention, you were all priceless both audience and acts, Mike would have been so proud.”

On the second stage Remedy were wowing the crowd with a wonderful mix of beautiful songs and unique and special vocals. The group comprised Mo Adeniran, Max Vickers, Sam Glancy, Farley Brame

The God Complex were next up on the main stage and filled the floor with their hypnotic brand of Desert Rock. Sadly the band announced that this was to be their final performance as things had come to an end.

In the acoustic room Matthew McClure and Meg Rudd kept the great music flowing with a huge variety of styles and sounds.

Following on in the main hall came the Psyblings who blasted out their own particular sound described as noisy psych rock and it certainly was. The fans in the crowd absolutely loved the set. Guitarist Greg Dixon, in a touching online message wrote “It’s approaching a year since I lost one of the most influential people I’ve ever met. He’s one of the main people who mustered a bit of belief into me whenever we were together and shared some genuinely life changing moments together in the time we knew each other. Friday is the tribute to one of a LOT of peoples very close friend and brother, and is bang on what he’d want. Noise and people and smiles and memories. “

Meanwhile Sonya Hurst performed her hugely popular brand of country, pop and Motown classics, getting a delighted audience up on their feet for a dance. After her performance Sonya said “It was an amazing experience performing at Mike’s memorial gig and I’m so happy I got the opportunity to be a part of such a worthwhile event. There were so many talented musicians that all came together to make the night memorable for all. There was definitely something for everyone”

Then on stage came Toast, usually an Oasis tribute band who for one Mike only had put together a superb Muse set and they delivered it brilliantly. Muse were Mike’s favourite band and he would have loved B-Muse.

Next followed Clint Boon, of Inspiral Carpets and the Clint Boon Experience fame. Before taking to the decks with his fantastic mix of sounds he introduced and played a tribute to Viola Beach. The band were due to play at the gig before they were killed in a dreadful accident earlier in the year. A live recording, the last ever made, was played to an emotional crowd of fans and it brought home just what a huge talent has been lost.